Victoria records three new locally acquired coronavirus cases as testing ramped up

Three new locally acquired COVID-19 cases have been reported in Victoria, taking the total number of active cases in the state to 36.

Acting Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan addresses the media during a press conference in Melbourne, Tuesday, December 29, 2020. Jacinta Allen has addressed issues of the day. (AAP Image/James Ross) NO ARCHIVING

Acting Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan. Source: AAP

Victoria has recorded three new locally acquired coronavirus cases, as long queues form again outside testing sites.

There are now 36 active cases in the state - 24 cases of community transmission and 12 cases in hotel quarantine. 

Of the three new cases, all were linked the Black Rock cluster, which now stands at 24 cases. 

"This is a strong day for Victoria as it comes off the back of a huge number of tests," acting Premier Jacinta Allan said. 

"Its a positive day, but we still have a little way to go, but we will work very hard to get back to those zero days," Ms Allan said.
The Black Rock cluster in bayside Melbourne, seeded from NSW's Northern Beaches outbreak, prompted a swift crackdown by the state government on border rules last week.

More than 60,000 Victorians rushed back from NSW as a hard border between the two states came into effect on Friday night. All were required to be tested on their return.

That's put facilities under strain, forcing some sites to extend testing hours and staff to be recalled from holidays to meet the extra demand.

Testing capacity was boosted by almost half, taking total sites on Sunday to 190.

Ms Allan said that on Monday testing capacity would be ramped up again.
Despite the increase in testing, DHHS listed wait times of over two hours for testing clinics at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (240 minutes), the Darebin Arts Centre (185 minutes) and at Chadstone - Golfers Drive (150 minutes).

Premier Daniel Andrews, who is away on leave, urged returning Victorians to follow individual advice from the Department of Health and Human Services.

"If you need support to isolate - whether that's financial, food or anything else - call the hotline and we'll make sure you get it," he tweeted on Monday.
People seeking an exemption to travel have been directed to call the helpline, but were told to call back because of a high volume of calls on Sunday.

The line was still unavailable to callers on Monday morning.

More than 1500 Victorians have applied for exemptions to the state's border closure with NSW, but so far authorities have granted just 117.

Applications are taking up to 48 hours to consider. Nearly half have had further documentation requested.
Meanwhile, Melbourne's Federation Square and several major shopping stores have been added to Victoria's growing list of exposure sites.

A case attended the CBD hub on 23 December from 11am to 11.30am. Anyone who attended the site at those times should monitor for symptoms, and undergo testing and isolate if they develop.

The same advice applies to those who visited IKEA Springvale from 4pm to 6pm on 29 December, as well as Kmart and Coles in Burwood East the day before at specific times.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction's restrictions on gathering limits. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. News and information is available in 63 languages at .

Please check the relevant guidelines for your state or territory: .


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4 min read
Published 4 January 2021 9:16am
Updated 4 January 2021 11:47am
Source: AAP, SBS



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